Yoga benefits kids as well as adults. Get your children interested in yoga with picture books, games, and videos. They'll develop your children's interest in starting their own yoga practice. Doing yoga with kids is a wonderful way to get in quality time. It: builds strength
improves flexibility
develops breath control and awareness
relaxes and calms
develops coordination … [Read more...]

Dress up as your favorite book character and have a Happy Bookish Halloween! How about one of these book character costume ideas from the favorite children's picture and chapter books? I've linked to many costumes you can buy and some you can make. Hopefully, this list will inspire you to find a fun book costume that works for you!
Favorite Book Character Costumes Alice in … [Read more...]

As summer wraps up, I wanted to share some of my new favorite middle-grade titles. If you like historical fiction, Lifeboat 12 is a must-read. Artists will love The Frame-Up mystery novel. Fantasy lovers, you don't want to miss the enchanting Willa of the Wood whose beautiful cover is one of my favorite covers EVER. But, there are even more good books on this list. See for … [Read more...]

Research proves that movement is an important part of learning. Not only as a teaching tool (kinesthetic learning), but as a way to stimulate the brain for improved learning. Now, a new, free website filled with teacher resources and lessons, fit4Schools, hopes to contribute positively to movement in schools and to educate students about healthy lifestyles. fit4Schools is a health activation … [Read more...]

I can't wait to tell you about the latest new books to get your kids excited about reading. So for this summer vacation 2016 or any time, browse through these reviews and see what will appeal to your child. See also my summer book lists by grade and age.
New Books for Summer 2016 Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown by Bob Pflugfelder, Steve Hockensmith ADVENTURE (ages 7 - 10)
I LOVE … [Read more...]

School is out for the summer! With the warm weather here, families are looking for ways to keep kids entertained and active during the summer. That means you'll need ideas for fun active summer activities for kids Toys“R”Us, Hasbro and Duracell are teaming up to show you the excitement, energy, and attitude of the Nerf brand, available at Toys“R”Us, and help you find out why it's Nerf or … [Read more...]

It was one of those days. I anguished over social issues with one of my kids. It felt like nothing was improving. But then, a most amazing thing happened. Janine Halloran, blogger at Encourage Play and licensed mental health counselor, reached out to me based on a comment I made on a group thread in FB. I didn't even know her at the time, but her words of encouragement and ideas were … [Read more...]

Last summer I got a Slackers slackline (affiliate link) for the girls thinking core strength would be good for everyone. What I didn't plan on was it being so much FUN and it being the kids' favorite backyard activity for months and months and months. (And still going strong!)
Slackline for Kids The slackline stretches between two trees like a tightrope but is stretchy and bouncy. You can … [Read more...]

ARE YOU SITTING DOWN??
Because I have some exciting news...
I'M CELEBRATING SUMMER
WITH A CRAZY, FUN GIVEAWAY!
With summer almost here, you might be wondering what to do with those cute kidlets of yours for three whole months. Well...
What if your whole backyard was packed full of fun things for the kids to do ALLLLLL summer long?!
Yep, that's right! We wanted to say THANK YOU to our … [Read more...]

Christmas Tree I Spy is our favorite after-dinner December game. It's exactly what it sounds like -- an I Spy game with Christmas tree ornaments. Christmas Tree I Spy
You play the same way you play the traditional I Spy. Get two or more people. One person spies an ornament for the others to find. If it's your turn to spy, you say: "I spy something ________________. " (Insert … [Read more...]

As in years past of publishing learning gifts for kids, I've compiled a guide of the best educational gifts for kids -- toys, games, kits, puzzles, and so forth -- in many learning categories: writing, reading, science, math, art, and games. Since many of you have asked, I want you to have a sneak peek at ALL the learning gifts in this year's gift guide. (It's a LONG list! I'll separate them … [Read more...]

I believe so strongly in the importance of our children having a global perspective- knowing the world is so much more than about them, their neighborhood, and their country. Continuing the week's theme of geography, I've found 30 fun activities to facilitate a global perspective.
Geography Activities for Kids
The most important thing for kids to start with is learning their home address. … [Read more...]